A superb pair of natural pearl and multi-gem ear pendants, by Etcetera. Estimate HK$4,000,000 – HK$6,000,000 ($516,512 – $774,768). Price Realized HK$6,783,750 ($875,972). © Christie’s Image Ltd 2004

Each designed as a drop-shaped white or purplish grey pearl measuring approximately 15.23 x 24.88 or 16.57 x 24.79 mm, to the tourmaline and pavé-set brownish pink diamond or diamond surmount enhanced by a mother-of-pearl hoop with diamond detail, suspended from a button-shaped white or purplish grey pearl top with diamond-set gallery measuring approximately 12.40 x 7.70 or 11.99 x 8.85 mm, mounted in 18k white gold, 5.0 cm long. With jeweller’s marks for Etcetera

With report no. 43374 dated 6 August 2004 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the analysed properties confirm the authenticity of these natural saltwater pearls and the purplish grey pearls show no indications of artificial colour modification (2)

Inspired by these two spectacular pearl drops, Edmond Chin, renowned jewellery designer of Etcetera Limited, creates a striking yet delicate pair of ear pendants by contrasting the creamy and purplish overtones of the pearls with a pink and colourless tourmaline surmount. The two button-shaped white or purplish grey pearl tops add to the simply elegant lines of the pendants. Combining the sheer beauty of the natural pearls with an innovative contemporary design, these arrestingly stunning ear pendants are an impressive testimony to Edmond Chin’s ingenuity as jewellery designer.

CHRISTIE’S. MAGNIFICENT JEWELLERY AND JADEITE JEWELLERY, 2 November 2004, Hong Kong